A Hidden Clue to Lifelong Health: The Height-GaP
Study by Ben Smith introduces height-GaP, a simple measure linking early-life growth adversity to adult mortality risk, revealing how childhood conditions shape lifelong health.
Research Themes
Pulmonary Research Themes
According to the WHO, respiratory disorders are leading causes of death world-wide (second only to heart attack & stroke). These include diseases such as obstructive lung diseases and pulmonary infections. As a result, our research is focused around four main pulmonary research themes. These include: chronic airways disease, lung injury and infection, neuromuscular dysfunction in respiratory diseases, and sleep-disordered breathing.
Above all, a multidisciplinary approach is used to study the basic mechanisms of a number of diseases. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary infections, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnea, respiratory muscle disorders, pulmonary fibrosis, lung injury, and rare respiratory diseases. Research at the Meakins also involves the study of human physiology and tissues in parallel with relevant animal and cell culture models. Furthermore, research is facilitated by the availability of a variety of core facilities for both clinical and fundamental studies.
Learn more about our research themes here.
Below you will see posts and news items related to our research themes.
3D-Printed Lung Tissue: Advancing Personalized Respiratory Care
Darcy Wagner is pioneering 3D-printed lung tissue to repair damaged airways, paving the way for personalized respiratory treatments
From RNA to Personalized ILD Treatment
Deborah Assayag’s team receive D2R funding to identify blood-based markers that could enable earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment of ILD
Cannabis Vaping: Regulated Does Not Mean Safe
Carolyn Baglole discuss the SQDC’s decision to sell cannabis vape products and why “regulated” should not be confused with “safe”
β-glucan and Dietary Supplements
Maziar Divangahi discusses his research on β-glucan and lung inflammation with Radio-Canada
A New mRNA-Based Approach to Treat Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Larry Lands and Darcy Wagner and team are developing an mRNA therapy to correct genetic errors in primary ciliary dyskinesia, opening new paths for treatment
Decade of Discovery in Trained Immunity: A Landmark eLife Focus Issue
A major eLife Focus Issue highlights 10+ years of trained immunity research, featuring key contributions from Meakins scientists
New MI4 Microbiomes and Rheumatic Diseases Grant to Irah King
Irah King receives MI4 funding to explore how alterations in the gut microbiome may drive the development of fibromyalgia
Expanding TB Prevention Could Save Millions of Lives
Study by Jonathon Campbell shows that scaling up existing TB screening and preventive treatments will save lives and costs
Philanthropy Fuels Innovation: 2025 MGH Research Awards
Several RESP Program researchers are among the recipients of the Montreal General Hospital Foundation’s 2025 Research Awards